2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty design and practicality. The LT trim featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while other trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better handling on slippery surfaces. The Blazer's exterior saw minor updates, including revised bumpers and new wheel designs, with two-tone paint options for the LT and RS trims. The interior, inspired by the Camaro, featured an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive controls and innovative air vents. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality feel. The RS trim's red interior accents added a touch of sophistication, especially when paired with the Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its position as Lincoln's flagship model. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the 2023 model continued with its fourth-generation design, offering a single Reserve trim with standard four-wheel drive. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood and chrome accents, exuded luxury, although some chrome plastic elements fell short of expectations. The ambient lighting added character to the cabin, enhancing the upscale feel. The Navigator's spacious interior and quality materials made it a compelling choice for those seeking comfort and luxury.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 available on higher trims and offering a more advanced dual-clutch AWD system on the RS trim. The Blazer's driving modes included Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, with remote engine starting available. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, though it was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS's sporty styling and power encouraged spirited driving, but its suspension and transmission performance fell short on winding roads. Fuel consumption averaged 11.5 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, but it averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The SUV offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview, aimed to enhance ride quality but struggled with smaller bumps and cracks. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, but its excellent visibility and grip provided confidence on the road.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red perforations lending a sporty appearance. The steering wheel offered power tilt and telescopic adjustment, along with heating for cold weather. The front seats featured power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and adjustable, allowing for increased cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available with hands-free operation, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seating across three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. Storage space was generous, with a large tray under the centre console and smaller compartments for third-row passengers. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical controls, and innovative air vents. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air vents ensured passenger comfort, while USB ports and a household-style power outlet provided connectivity. The Blazer's storage options included a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available with hands-free operation, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a comprehensive suite of technology features, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant excelled in understanding commands, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key access. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though available, was underutilized by passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. The Blazer's safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keeping assistance. However, the IIHS did not award the Blazer a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to its headlight performance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique ADAS included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise operated on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but required driver intervention in certain situations. The Navigator's crashworthiness was not fully assessed by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating.